Not sure how to answer the first two questions, because I think the pump and filter is really a matter of preference. However, I don't think the water flow trickling down over the sides of the globe will be sufficient to filter a pond with fish.

I use a Pondmaster 1200 and a homemade trash can filter, but I'm going to bring it up to a Pondmaster 1800 eventually, as the return hose is of sufficient size to accommodate the flow. I can post a picture if you are interested.

As for marginals, some people use a type of aquatic plant stand. I'm not sure what they're called or where to get them, but they are tall enough to elevate the plants to the surface. Some people also use stacked plastic milk crates to elevate their marginals. Some people do use "floating planters" or "floating islands" for marginals. You can also place pots on your access "steps".

If you can afford it, an Oase Pondovac 3 is the best pond vacuum. Keep an eye on eBay for bargains. That's where I got mine, and sometimes they do have a good price. If you want something less expensive, try a shop vac. A lot of people on this forum have had good luck with them. The only drawback is that they have to be emptied frequently, where the Pondovac has two chambers the simultaneously empty and refill.

However, if you have a good strong pump and a good filter, you probably will not need to vacuum the bottom. The fish will keep the debris stirred up enough to find its way to the pump.

I have been reading and researching all weekend. Can anyone using this filter/pump tell me if it is working well for them?

External 1500GAL Pond Pressure Bio Filter UV Sterilizer pond filter + 550gph water pump

I'm thinking this may be a great little set up for me. I would be interested in hearing from those with hands on experience.

Thank you for all the information regarding your pump/filter set up and the information on how to grow marignal plants. ha ha. It's so much easier tucking them into my rocks. ha ha. In addition, I would love to see photos if it is not too much trouble.

Thank you!
~Tj~

Here's my homemade filter. This filter was made with a $10 trash can from Walmart.

{{gwi:229246}}

The input from the pond is at the bottom, and includes a true union check valve. To one side is a ball valve which allows for backflushing and draining for cleaning.

{{gwi:229247}}

At the bottom of the trash can is a frame made from pvc pipe, which keeps the filter media off the floor of the can. Over that is placed a prefilter pad.

{{gwi:229248}}

{{gwi:229249}}

The actual bio media is a bag of scrubbie type material.

{{gwi:229251}}

The output back to the pond is near the top. I initially installed just one output hose, but then I decided I might eventually want a bigger pump, and installed a second output out of PVC.

I've concealed this filter behind a shed and buried all the hoses and PVC, but if it was closer to the pond I would have simply used an open ended PVC emptying directly into the pond.

Nancy,

Thank you for the wonderful photos. If I am reading correctly, the bottom hose is connected to your pump allowing water into your filter. The top pipes would just be placed into the pond allowing the filtered water back into the pond. How often do you have to take everything out and rinse out this filter?

I'm trying to think where I would put that type of filter in my greenhouse. While reading through the forum, I read continuous feedback on how well everyones homemade filters are working. I believe I could make a smaller one using a smaller garbage can. Thank you for getting my mind working. :)

~Tj~

Yes, the hose on the bottom is the intake from the pump, which is in the pond. The pump's intake is covered with a foam pre-filter to keep large solids and algae from getting into the impeller. The top pipe, or pipes in my case, return the water to the pond.

When it's time to clean, I just pull the pump plug from the electrical outlet (GFI, of course) and the check valve (swing check valve, NOT the spring kind) keeps the water from flowing back into the pond. I open the ball valve to let a few inches of water out, then close it again. Then I agitate the bag of filter media to release the gunk. I then pull it out of the filter and set it aside on the upturned trash can lid. Then I pull out the prefilter from the bottom and hose it out with the water hose. While I'm doing that, I open the ball valve fully and let the dirty water out. You can use a water hose to rinse out any debris that settles in the bottom. Then return everything to the filter, close the ball valve, and plug the pump back in. Very simple. I do this about once a month in the summer, less in the winter when the fish are eating less. Obviously I don't use the hose to clean the media bag, since it has the beneficial bacteria in it.

Here's the link to another step by step guide for building a DIY filter. I sort of modeled mine after this one, but modified it a bit to eliminate some of the extra hardware. I bought my filter media already assembled in a bag from www.itsparadiseathome.com, since I wanted it to be easier to clean. I used bulkhead fittings (also from Paradise) that did not need that block of wood he used. I also did not build the tub to keep the pump in, preferring to use the foam prefilter that came with the pump. Step 4 in his website shows the finished filter.

Here is a link that might be useful: Runnerduck filter

Nancy,

Thank you so much for all the time you've taken to answer my questions.

I hope this is my last question for awhile. Do you think anacharis would be ok just floating at the bottom of my pond...sitting on top of my liner with no soil or rock? I'd like to get some oxygenators growing from my outdoor pond and get this pond aged a bit before it gets cold here and winter sets in.

Thanks...
~Tj~

Great idea. I've never quite liked my "skippyesk" filter and needed a new one anyway since I've had a hole in the bottom and haven't used it or most of the Summer.

What kind of connection did you use for the input? I haven't been able to find a threaded type connection that will go through the can?

The bulkhead is indeed threaded.

Tj, sure, anacharis would be fine on the bottom or wherever you want to put it. I had a terrible time with that particular plant, though. Kept floating into my skimmer and the fish ate it down to a nub. So I don't use oxygenators any more. You can buy small flexible lead weights to help anchor it if you want. The ends can also be tucked under the edges of the pots. Or just floating free.

Thanks for posting the detailed pics and DIY link for the filter. That is a great idea, one I'm going to have to try for certain.

You're very welcome. The neat thing about DIY filters is that you can use just about anything that holds water, from trash cans, to washtubs, to stock tanks.